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Cited by 64Online and Blended LearningHigher Education Research StudiesEvasion and Academic Success Factors

Persistence and time challenges in an open online university: A case study of the experiences of first-year learners

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Xavier, Marlon, Meneses, Julio·2022·International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education
DOI 10.1186/s41239-022-00338-6
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Abstract

Student persistence in the first year of studies is a crucial concern in online higher education. Recent accelerated growth in online programs due to the COVID pandemic has increased concerns over higher dropout rates, which are often connected to students’ time challenges—time poverty, juggling multiple commitments, and fitting studies into busy lives. However, research seldom focuses on students’ perceptions of time issues related to persistence. This study addresses this gap by exploring how 20 second-year students retrospectively viewed their experiences of time challenges and how they impacted their persistence in their first year at an online open university. Content analysis of in-depth interviews demonstrated that time pressure and time-conflicts were crucial barriers for success in the foundational semester; the main barrier was juggling study with multiple priorities. Most persisters had good time management and high levels of intrinsic motivation, satisfaction, and self-determination. However, even procrastinators with heavy work-family duties managed to persevere due to their resilience and personal motivation. Lastly, recommendations and strategies for effective student-based interventions to foster persistence are suggested.

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Xavier, M., & Meneses, J.
Affiliations
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (ES)
Corresponding author
Xavier, Marlon
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2022-07-04
Volume
19
Issue
1
ISSN
2365-9440 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1186/s41239-022-00338-6
OpenAlex
W4283792516
Cited by
64
References
3
Citations by year
2026: 17 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 1
FWCI
25.35
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • O2 - Repositori Institucional (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Online and Blended Learning
  • Social Sciences › Education › Higher Education Research Studies
  • Social Sciences › Demography › Evasion and Academic Success Factors
Keywords
student persistence, online higher education, first-year students, time poverty, time pressure, time conflict, procrastination, time management, intrinsic motivation, self-determination, student satisfaction, resilience, school dropout

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